FLORENCE — A welfare check escalated into a car chase Tuesday that resulted in a police shootout leaving one man dead, and a woman and a police officer wounded.
According to the Florence Police Department, officers and Lauderdale County deputies responded to PNC Bank on Cox Creek Parkway just before 3 p.m. for a welfare check involving a man who had reportedly threatened to rob the bank.
“When they arrived, the suspect was seen leaving the bank,” police said. “A vehicle pursuit ensued as the suspect fled.
“The chase concluded when the suspect’s vehicle collided with another vehicle on (U.S.) Highway 72, just east of County Road 323.”
After the crash, police said the suspect, armed with a firearm, got out of his vehicle and advanced toward law enforcement officers, prompting an exchange of gunfire.
During the incident, one officer was struck in the shoulder, and so was a female bystander.
“The suspect was shot and pronounced deceased at the scene,” police said.
The officer and the woman were taken to Huntsville Hospital and are reported to be in stable condition.
The police did not release the identities of those involved.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is handling the investigation.
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